Amir likely to be rested for Zimbabwe series

Mohammad Amir is likely to be rested from at least one portion of Pakistan’s upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. ESPNcricinfo understands the fast bowler asked to be rested after the tour of Ireland, England and Scotland. It is possible he may miss the entire trip in a bid to be fresh ahead of a busy winter season that starts with the Asia Cup, followed by series against Australia and New Zealand in the UAE.

Amir, it is believed, had requested to be rested from the entire tour of Zimbabwe, which includes a T20 tri-series as well as a bilateral ODI series. The selection committee is willing to allow Amir some time off, as he has previously asked for his workload to be managed. Just before the UK tour, Amir had contemplated lessening his Test burden in a bid to prolong an international career in which he plays all three formats.

Pakistan are set to play back-to-back series in Zimbabwe – first the T20 tri-nation event with Australia, followed by a five-match ODI series against the hosts. With the series arguably less challenging than the ones coming up in the UAE, it is likely the PCB will allow him some time off, to spend with his wife and young daughter. After the England tour, Amir stayed back in the UK to be with his UK-based wife. He is expected to return to Lahore on June 23 ahead of the final selection of the squad.